Xenophobes Partly to Blame for McCain Loss

Aside from the extremely strong headwinds (unpopular Bush, economic meltdown, etc.), John McCain faced, the Xenophobic wing of the Republican party should share the blame for his loss. The loss of the states of Florida, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada is inexcusable. In politics, perception is reality. Today there is a strong perception that the Republican party has a significant mean streak because of the many strong xenophobic voices on the immigration issue.

In 2004 Presidential Election, nationally, latino voters went 53% for Kerry and 44% for Bush. In 2008, the latino vote went 67% for Obama and 31% for McCain. Although, McCain had a more rational approach to immigration reform, there is a strong developing perception within the latin community that the Republican Party is menacingly mean spirited on this issue. US Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) echos this analysis. The xenophobic label the Republicans have been tagged with transcends the latino community; what of other immigrants from other countries yearning for freedom and prosperity? Did you know that in Poland they call the Chicago Metropolitan area Polonia? That is because the Chicago area has the largest polish population outside of Warsaw, Poland. Can this xenophobic label be a reason for the loss of three Republican leaning US house seats within the last eight years? Could be. A more measured approach to immigration reform could greatly improve the Republican image within all immigrant communities. As newly elected Republican Congressman, Aaron Schock (R-IL) has stated, "We are a nation of Immigrants", implying that Republicans should tread lightly on this issue.

Republican Opportunity toward Immigration Reform
While the immigration issue will undoubtedly be a top priority of the new Obama administration, Republicans have a solid opportunity to take a meaningful and measured approach toward solving the issue. They must propose a reform program that is a win-win situation for all. Among the key elements that it should include are:
1. Yes our borders need to be secured. And that means all borders; Canada on the North, Mexico to the South, the Atlantic shipping ports to the East and the Pacific shipping ports to the West, not to mention the shipping ports in the Gulf of Mexico.
2. Create a solid assimilation program for those already here illegally. It should never be advocated that they just be thrown out of the country. Every time I hear such a strident message, I am reminded of that awful movie Gangs of New York. Use your imagination on that. Republicans need to approach those hardworking, taxpaying, and law-abiding illegals in a more helpful manner.
3. Create an expanded worker visa program who wish to work here in the United States and eventually desire to seek US citizenship. And yes, many foreigners still desire to come here to become part of the American dream. Whether they come here to escape the narco-democracy of Mexico, escape the impoverished countries of Asia, move from the hard-life of Central and Eastern Europe, or escape from the increasing socialistic and tyrannical countries of Latin America, all that seek to work hard and contribute to a prosperous America should be allowed to do so.
4. Develop a national immigrant ID that allows those gainfully employed to stay here without any extraordinary punitive punishment for coming here illegally. Obviously, we should establish certain conditions that must be met and then monitor whether they are being met. These conditions might include; (a) must be employed, (b) must pay taxes, (c) must be law-abiding and not have a criminal rap sheet of any kind, (d) not seek government assistance of any kind, (e) must take English immersion classes.
5. Penalties should be imposed for those not following any newly promulgated immigration laws. And they should be enforced once established.

Part of the lure of the Republican Party is its principles especially evident during the Reagan era. One of the strongest has always been America as the Land of Opportunity. This opportunity should be extended to all immigrants presently here and all that will follow.